Our Philosophy

At Blutter Shiff Design Associates, we’ve been demystifying the design field for our clients and forging timeless, highly functional interiors since 1958. And, we’ve been right here, at the center of the design community in Chicago’s renowned Merchandise Mart. Since founding the company 53 years ago, Joan Blutter had the prescience to base her new firm in the nation’s largest design center.

Today, we have a young staff, headed by Joan’s daughter, Janet Blutter Shiff. Then, as now, we believe no job is off-limits or too trivial. We take on residential, contract and commercial jobs both large and small. Our firm can execute any or all facets of a project, from start to finish, be it purchasing and project management or space planning and construction. We also work in every style and vein, all over the United States, and are equally adept at dealing with new structures or renovations.

What makes us different?

First, our size.
Four strong, we are intimate enough to be flexible, expedient and communicative among ourselves, and with our clients. Yet we are also large enough to be vigilant where our client’s needs are concerned, and effectively get the job done.

Second, our outlook.
Instead of inundating our clients with ideas and trends, we seek the best solutions to meet their highly personal needs. Every job is unique, and gives us the opportunity to do things in new ways. We draw upon our experience to create new solutions. And we are not worried about being right, but about getting it right for our clients.

Third, our location.
Our base in the Merchandise Mart gives us, and our clients, a dual and matchless advantage; thanks to our proximity to this cache of unparalleled showrooms, we are thoroughly familiar with all the options for our clients, and close at had to guide them through the myriad of choices they must make.

Fourth, our M.O.
Given our broad scope, service and process is integral to success. We take great pride in our ability to provide our clients with a broad range of options and a high level of personal attention throughout the entire course of a project. They are directly involved in all aspects of design, production, management and execution. But most importantly, we strive to focus on our client’s needs, and make the experience one that fosters collaboration and intellectual rigor to realize total client fulfillment and satisfaction.